Liverpool Eye Up Central Defender 'Naby Keita Recommended'

It has been understood that Liverpool are interested in young Guinean defender Saïdou Sow. Reports portray that representatives of the club were in Cairo to witness the 19 year old centre-half play in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt, according to L’Équipe.

The young defender currently plays for Saint-Etienne in France, Liverpool interest has spiked due to recommendation from Liverpool midfielder and Guinea teammate Naby Keita.

Being at Saint-Etienne since 2016 and a product of their prestigious academy, Sow has been widely considered a promising young defender with great stature and instinctive footballing ability. Although, still being a teenager he has yet been able to cement himself into the team and get himself first team regularity with players such as the experienced Timothée Kolodziejczak keeping him out of the team.

With the conclusion of the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season Saïdou Sow rarely got into the team in the second half of the campaign, however it may have been Saint-Etienne coach regretting not playing the 19 year old more as the 10 time champions of France lost 5-4 on penalties to Auxerre meaning they were relegated from the top division leading to angered fans storming the pitch as ASSE’s fate was sealed. 

Moreover, despite being irregular for Saint-Etienne this campaign Saïdou Sow peaked Anfield interest with his displays for his national side Guinea, leading to Liverpool man Naby Keita suggesting the youngster to the Mersysiders. Standing at an impressive 1.85M, his daunting stature makes a great fit for the physicality of the Premier League and would be a great back up for the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahim Konaté, with bags of potential which could see him grow into a future starting spot.

Additionally, Jurgen Klopp looks to solidify his squad as many key players are looking to leave including the likes of Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah. Additions of young players such as the highly linked Gavi and Saïdou Sow bring the promise of youth and potential which could help the club further prosper in years to come.